Blog archive

If you go down to the woods today, you might notice a rather distinct oniony smell among the unfurling leaves and the bluebells.

If you go down to the woods today, you might notice a rather distinct oniony smell among the unfurling leaves and the bluebells.

It's the scent of wild garlic. You'll recognise it from its wide, soft, easily bruised leaves and small white flowers. Its botanical name is Allium ursinum - the classicists and astronomers among you will recognise the word 'ursinum' as having something to do with bears. This is because bears (and wild boars, incidentally) love the bulbs of wild garlic and are inclined to dig them up.

Wild garlic is also known as 'buckrams', 'bear leek' and 'ramsons'. It's a great favourite among foragers. Wild garlic leaves and flowers can be used in soups or salads, or as flavouring in quiches. They also make a good alternative to basil in pesto sauce.

If you really want to get your foraging off to a flying start this spring, then try Wild Garlic and Nettle Soup.

Bring stock to simmer then add the wild garlic, the leek (chopped) and the nettles.

Cook for about ten minutes. When cool, put it through a blender.

Add the sour cream and blend together.

Return to heat and add pasta.

Et voila…

When harvesting, be careful as the leaves can sometimes be mistaken for lily of the valley or arum leaves, both of which are highly poisonous. If in doubt, sniff the leaves: the real McCoy will be unmistakably garlicky.

OK. New pallet have been acquired from round the corner, now and back home with extra weigh in clothes. Photos to follow as its a new pallet and a bit different. The good thing is its as clean as a whistle and there is another one to pick up.

The construction is different and i'm thinking this would be better off on the pallet thread.

Look keen as a whistle.

Look closer ?

Huge staples. They are hard to get out!!!

OH. hello, what is this???

Is that chip board inbetween!!!!! It must be so hard to cut through, and leave me with all those clean boards.

Lets pray for many more.

Regards

Edd.

Pics of new outside chair/ couch to come. Its just not completed yes so bear with me please. I went with the same colour as Doves new fence. The only problem is i can only get small left over quantities for free and will have to save it all up. (thing it was sea grass green) lovely colour when i get there. Thanks Dove.